February 27, 2009

Ever tried MPIX.COM? You should...this is a professional lab that now has a consumer site as well. They have great deals on large prints and do all kinds of special services. Their quality is stunning...and check out this deal (I copy and pasted from an email):

This weekend we are offering 8x10" prints at 50% off - that is $.99 for
E-Surface and $1.24 for Metallic and True B&W. Simply enter promo code 8x10prints09 at checkout. The promotion runs
from now till Sunday at midnight CST, March 1st.

Don't miss out on this deal...I see new photos going up on my walls sometime soon!!! YAY!!

Speaking of deals...been out doing my weekly shopping today for grocery and household items...I have to squeal...I saved $70 in coupons on ONE ORDER of items from KMART!!!!!!!!!!!!! Dead serious. They are doubling coupons up to $2 this week! I'm like a total coupon junkie! LOL!! I took my Mom and Sister and we had a BALL saving money! Good family times!

I can't believe February is drawing to a close...man, where did the month go?

Spring acts like it wants to come...I've got daffodils in a vase here on the table and the weather has been a pleasure...I'm ready to do some spring cleaning!

Lots of fun things going on...I did the project kit for March Scarlet Lime...such a fun thing-- a totally springy banner...I'll post some pics next time!

Got to go for now...we're off and running for the weekend!Have a great one!jw

February 20, 2009

Hey-- I thought I'd share THIS:You can order your prints online at WALGREENS and enter the code: ONEDAY and get your 20 free prints! Pick them up in the store for free shipping! YAY!!

Also...this is why we scrapbook folks--

I pulled out this album this morning looking for a prom picture (long story --those Got Sketch 103 girls are too funny!!) and Cash had a ball looking at the book...finding Daddy and Mama! (for the record...his shirt was in the dryer after a POTTY incident! LOL!) Anyway...I think this is TRULY the best reason to scrapbook...I treasure these early books/pages as much as I do the ones I made this week. It's such a legacy.

Oh...I posted some NEW INSPIRATION over at the Got Crafts blog...check it out if you're feeling crafty this weekend!!

Well, that's about it for today-- I just wanted to post that freebie while I had a minute! Have a HAPPY weekend!

February 19, 2009

My goodness...I just have to shout out and say THANKS to all of you who were so eager to SIGN on for the next INSPIRATION UNLIMITED 2009!!!!!!!! WOWEE!!! We opened the registration up to the alum first and they were rarin' to go! The 16th, registration opened for EVERYONE and within TWO days...it's a SOLD OUT event! I feel so blessed to be a part of this thing...you just don't know! AWESOME! Gals-- we are so pumped to get back to Vegas...I can't even wait to design my classes! YAY!!! We are considering a wait list...so if you did not get signed up...please, go ahead and contact us in the hopes that we might have a spot or two available.

[WARNING: this is going to be a long blog post :) ]

So I attended my second MOPS meeting this week and though I hesitated on going just because I had some major things that I needed to be working on...I am feeling SO BLESSED that I went. God is feeding my soul and there's just no denying that. I'm really growing as a Christian and I know that once I become centered...everything else will just fall into place. I'm just trying to "listen." The MOPS gals are doing book study on "Having a MARY heart in a MARTHA world" and well, I cannot wait to devour this book...did I mention I'm not a reader. But we reviewed just one chapter and I was like...okay, I'm IN. Can't wait to catch up.

Ever had taco pizza? We sometimes get it from local pizza joint and it's a nice change of pace. Kinda like having pizza and salad all in one! My family loves all things TACO. So I thought I'd try my hand at making Taco Pizza...uh, DE-LISH!!!! I made it Saturday night and it was SO YUMMY, SO YUMMY...there was a PARTY IN MY TUMMY!!! LOL! (some of you will know what I'm talking about :) We just loved it and we made it again tonight...and guess what...IT WAS EVEN BETTER!!!!!!!!! Man, it's good stuff...you should try it...

First you make the pizza crust...I like this one. I usually make mine with all or half whole wheat flour. Use picante sauce or taco sauce in place of pizza sauce. Add about 1/2 lb of seasoned ground beef/meat (with taco seasoning) and most of an 8 oz. package of shredded cheese (mexi blend). Cook about 15 min on 425 or so. Meanwhile, chop about 1/3 head of lettuce and 3-4 Roma tomatoes. When pizza is done, take out of the oven and pile on lettuce, tomato and remaining cheese! So easy...and just wonderful! You can serve it with Spanish rice and refried beans to round out a meal.

Abby made her own pizza...heart shaped...it was Valentine's Day after all...

Saturday morning...I fixed a sweet little breakfast of heart shaped pancakes and bacon...the girls had games early so it was quick, but they were surprised and loved it...

I sewed my little heart out this past weekend! ...some fun projects for Fiskars...I suppose I could give you a little peek?

I know, I know...I can't do anything without doing red, turquoise and lime green...just wait till you see my coupon wallet I'm working on!

Speaking of all things fabric-y...did I ever show you this? I can't remember?

I did a litte article on working with fabric + canvases over at Fiskars and it is TOO FUN!! These make great gifts and are fun to make! Gotta check it out!

Well, I'll leave you with a little peek of sketch #4 from Got Sketch 103...it goes up tomorrow morning! Can you guess how old I am? LOL! I actually scrapped a page about ME for a change...capturing me at 33...it was fun! It's not too late to sign up for 103 -- we're half way through the class but you can join in the fun at any time! Don't forget gals...tomorrow is chat night! 8 pm CST

Well, I've blabbed on quite enough, I suppose...I must get some rest! Have a great weekend!

February 12, 2009

Oh goodness...I have so much to share today! My week is so busy and it's flown by...I'm seriously determined to check some things off my LIST today! Meanwhile tomorrow will be a blur with all the girls parties and goings on, work to be submitted and some other duties I have to attend to. Haven't had a minute for cooking or baking this week :(

Most people really don't realize that I work basically like full time (probably more some weeks)...the fact that I am at home is WONDERFUL and sometimes not so wonderful. Now I'm not complaining one bit...but what I am saying is that besides church, I don't get out much :) You get the picture. As many stay/work at home Moms know...I have become in serious need of some social interaction/adult human contact...as most of my friends work and don't have time to visit or do anything through the week. And, I imagine if Cash could speak in paragraphs, he'd say-- "Mama, I want to go play with some kids my size today?" So, I decided we will start having an outing each week and I attended my first MOPS meeting this week. I didn't know a soul...I just decided it was something I would give a try. And I really enjoyed it. Meeting some new people...Moms like me that need a little adult conversation...plus there is some Bible study and crafts (which makes me smile, you know) and lots of other cool stuff. I'm excited! I think Cash liked it too.

Got Sketch 103 is in full swing...there are two sketches posted plus some fun BONUSES already! Val and I love to dabble in designing elements for our projects (tags, labels, printable designs) so that's something we LOVE to include in our classes! Check out a peek of today's sample layout sketch that features one of our surprise BONUSES!

Oh and by the way -- ATTENTION GS103 STUDENTS!!!! If you're available, do drop in to chat with us tonight at 8 p.m. central at the Got Sketch 103 classroom...there will be a ENTER THE CHATROOM link in the sidebar! See you there!

Speaking of inspiring stuff...I've got a Valentine surprise for YOU!!! Click your way on over to the Got Crafts? site to find a NEW project posted! Just in time for Valentine's Day, you can create something Heart*felt...something to show off all the ones you love...download this FREE project sheet today!

Well, I must get back to checking things off my GINORMOUS list! I hope you enjoy the upcoming holiday and that someone makes you know that you're special and loved. xoxo jw

February 09, 2009

It's February 9th...the first day of Got Sketch 103! The classroom is all abuzz and the gallery is filling up as I type. FUN! FUN! FUN!!! Below you can see a sneak peek of our online class experience.

I've got a special Valentine surprise to share later this week...some of you know how much I {HEART} felt. LOL! Well, I'm going to be unveiling a past class project for y'all over at the Got Crafts? blog for a special Valentine treat...you'll see what I made with some of these...

Did I ever show you a pic from Cash's birthday party? I don't think I did...him with his cookie cake in his new coonskin cap and camos. He had to taste test the cake...Too funny!

February 06, 2009

Yes, I know! I know! I'm like a bloggin' fool lately! It's great - I love it...love connecting with you all (all seven of you ;) LOL! and hearing your comments and shares. It's so fun!

So, first I gotta tell you to check out the new blogs over at Scrapbooks etc. because there is lots of interesting stuff over there...some blog candy here...and a challenge here. I'm going to link up the blogs in my sidebar so you can find them all easier. There is so much great content at that site...wow! It's mind boggling!

So lots of you wanted to know more about my little cooking in bulk day. I can't tell you how awesome it is to have those meals ready to go because if you know anything at all about me...you know that I'm the worst procrastinator in the world! So lots of time I don't even think about what's for dinner till 5 pm. And that's not enough time to pull off a very creative meal, you know? So I mentioned I got this idea from the blog- Money Saving Mom...she's a great inspiration to me. I started clipping coupons in April of last year, because well, I love to save money and I needed a new hobby...seriously! You know how much I LOVE my Fiskars scissors right! Cutting is therapy! LOL!! My family totally makes fun of me and totally laugh at me ...and I proudly save anywhere from 30-70% on my grocery bill. Yes. It's so true. :)

So welcome to my modest little kitchen...

Love my little vinyl wall rub on from Uppercase Living :)

The day started out with a couple of cups of my special Starbucks brew (bought on clearance for $4, told you I'm a money saving fool!!!) LOL! This is my birthday present from last year...LOVE this thing...it's like a french press...best coffee you ever had.

So first of all, I decided what I was going to make in bulk...what would freeze well, what my family likes and I decided on-- Chicken Pot pie, Broccoli/Chicken casserole and chicken and dressing casserole. I gathered my ingredients:

I've got four pkg. of broccoli, 2 pkg mixed veggies, a couple packages cheddar cheese, 2 boxes Stove Top, a couple pounds of potatoes, a couple of onions, a bit of celery, a pkg of brown rice, some chicken broth, cream soups (celery, mushroom and chicken) pie crusts (made those a while back and froze them)...of course I used other stuff -- milk, butter, salt pepper, eggs, etc. All totaled...these ingredients cost me around $40. That included the .70 a piece I paid for the tin pans. I had some great coupons for the veggies and got great deals on all of the rest of the items. That comes out to $5 per meal for a family of five.

I cooked four packages of chicken for these recipes...two packages of 3 breasts and two packages of tenderloins. And you're knowing I got that chicken at a major deal, right? $15 for all the fresh chicken (yes, that was included in my $40 figure above).

It's always important to have an assistant in the kitchen...to keep you on your toes and taste test the goods.

I've got six cups of rice going in here...for the broccoli casserole. Brown rice. If you don't have a rice cooker...you need one. This one was super cheapo at Walgreens but it works great!

I cooked my chicken (I simmered it with some celery and onions for some added flavor) and of course salted it. Then I just threw my potatoes in the chicken broth to cook and to add some flavor...these are going in the pot pie of course.

I'm trying to remember where I got this recipe...I think it was my BHG NEW Cookbook, but I've been making it so long that I don't actually follow the recipe...exactly. It's from scratch...no cream soups on this one. It starts by sauteeing onions in butter, making a roux with flour, adding milk and broth to thicken. If I find the recipe I'll add it later. I use frozen veggies...love those Valley Fresh Steamers - Green Giant. Look at that creamy goodness. mmmmmmmm.

Three savory chicken pot pies ready to freeze! I also make my own crust and for the purpose of freezing these I'm
adding the crust when I cook the pot pie...just on top. Martha's Pate Brise recipe
is the bomb.

Next, I threw together two chicken and dressing casseroles. Again, I'll have to dig up this recipe...its really easy and uses Stove Top stuffing. But it's really great!

(Boil chicken, debone. In a large bowl, beat eggs and then add all other ingredients in order given. Place in a 9 x 13 pan and bake at 350 till hot and bubbly.)I use 2 eggs and you can of course sub out the whole chicken for breasts for a quicker fix.

My assistant is helping with the dishes (playing with bubbles)...what a great helper.

Next it was broccoli casserole...there is definitely no recipe here...it goes something like this:2 c. uncooked rice (cooked of course, it will be more)cream of chickencream of mushrooma little brothchicken (2 c. per casserole)frozen broccoli (2 pk if you like lots of veggies- steam/cook beforehand)seasoning...salt and peppertop with 8 oz. cheddar cheese (everything is better with cheese, right?)

Mix it all up and you get some yummy comfort food!

And at the end of the day...this is what I have to show for my efforts! A couple of the casseroles were taken out for some folks who need them worse than we do.

Man...it feels good. We had one of the broccoli casseroles this evening and it was delish! My kiddos love that one. I'm planning a supper swap soon...that's where you get together with some friends and all bring the ingredients for a casserole/freezable meal and then swap so you bring the ingredients to make six broccoli casseroles and take home ONE broccoli casserole and 4 others (what the other girls bring). COOL HUH?!

Next week I think I'll have a baking day...homemade rolls, some muffins...mmmmm!

February 04, 2009

Hi I just wanted to post real quick-- check out THIS POST and find out how you can win a FREE Got Sketch 103 class!!! Yes it's true!! (if you've already signed up --you can win your $$ back so go ahead and go!!)

And, don't forget I'm giving away TWO FREE downloads of my new Book in a Box class in honor or my BDAY today!!! See this post from yesterday to leave a comment.

Oh, and one more thing...seen Scarlet Lime this month! Oh it gets me in the mood for SPRING! Check out all my layouts in the Scarlet Lime album on the side bar...this one is my favorite!

February 03, 2009

First. Let me just say I have had the most productive day! Besides working some, I made eight dinners today (a couple are to take to elderly folks at church) ...I have been wanting to try cooking some things in bulk to freeze and have when I need something quick but still nutritious and something the kids like. I made 3 chicken pot pies, 3 broccoli chicken casseroles and two chicken and dressing casseroles! Let me also add that all EIGHT of these dishes cost LESS than $40 in ingredients (and $5+ of that was for the tin pans I purchased to freeze them in!!) WOW!! I know... it's pretty unbelievable. I was inspired by this gal. She rocks in the frugal dept. I've been couponing and bargain shopping (MY NEW HOBBY) for a while and that's how I was able to make all of those dinners for so little.

Anyway...I have so much to share...I'll share my entire cooking adventure today in another post. Besides being quite thrilled about my frugal cooking today...

I think I'm most excited about

Inspiration Unlimited 2009!

We did it last year...and there's some video to prove that it was a ROCKin' event, am I right gals? uh Huh!! It's ON!!! Teresa Collin, Layle Koncar, Stephanie Ackerman and Tammy Mitchell and me-- all teaching! It's a creative getaway packed with awesome projects, a weekend in Vegas, hangin' with the girls, you might even learn a few new dance moves!! LOL!! ...yep...fabulous! SIGN UPS have started for alumni and YOU TOO can sign up very soon!!! It kicks off September 25th this fall...check out all the details HERE.

I'm so excited to share this:

This is something I've been working on for a couple of weeks and I just love this!! It's such a fun project! Here are a few more peeks--

So, what else? I've been sewing...that's another blog post too. FUN FUN FUN!! I've had to set it aside for now cause I had other pressing things.

The Got Sketch 103 classroom opens up on Thursday...and we've got prizes for EARLY registries!!! Yep, so get registered by Thursday and you'll be included in the drawing! Class kicks off February 9th.

Speaking of sketches...check out the sketch of the month over at Fiskars this month...it's lovely, if I do say so myself. ;) Click on the image to go to the site and see the layout...

Oh goodness...what else??? I don't think I've shared this--click on the pic to see how to make this fun project!!! It rocks and there's a similar smaller project too. Check it out!

I wish I had more time...I have lots of projects I'd love to share and things to say...but the kiddos just got home and honey will be home soon too! Kiddies are doing chores and now I must get dinner put together!

But wait!! I need to give away a couple of my new download classes!!!Wanna?? Okay-- just post a comment and say hi or whatever and you're in! I'll pick a winner...oh, how about tomorrow...it's my birthday! My present to YOU...is a giveaway!! Have a great night! xoxo